Desktop Publishers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a desktop publishers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $61,210/year ($29.43/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $39K at the entry level to $134K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $56,218 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 56.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $61K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About desktop publishers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level desktop publishers (10th percentile) start around $39K. Mid-career wages sit at $61K.Top earners bring in $134K or more - a $96K spread from bottom to top.
Desktop Publishers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $66K | +23% | 490 |
| New Jersey | $66K | +22% | 70 |
| California | $64K | +19% | 460 |
| Minnesota | $61K | +14% | 230 |
| Oregon | $61K | +14% | 60 |
| Maryland | $57K | +6% | 90 |
| Louisiana | $55K | +3% | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $55K | +2% | 140 |
| Arizona | $54K | +1% | 80 |
| Illinois | $54K | +0% | 140 |
| Florida | $52K | -3% | 230 |
| Indiana | $52K | -4% | 60 |
| South Carolina | $51K | -6% | 40 |
| Maine | $49K | -9% | 40 |
| Texas | $48K | -11% | 410 |
Track desktop publishers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do desktop publishers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $61,210 a year - that works out to about $29.43 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,540, and experienced desktop publishers can clear $134,310. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $61K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,049/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 55.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a desktop publishers salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median desktop publishers salary is worth about $56,218 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do desktop publishers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.